What is shakespeare���s purpose behind the war of words between mark antony and octavius and brutus and cassius at the start of act 5 of the tragedy of julius caesar? shakespeare uses the war of words so that the men can explain calmly their reasons for going to war; rhetoric and violence work together. shakespeare uses the war of words to show that these men of power destroyed the republic; rhetoric has been replaced by petty insults. shakespeare uses the war of words to have the opposing armies settle things without going to war; rhetoric is stronger than ever. shakespeare uses the war of words to have the men eulogize caesar once again; rhetoric is used to bring focus to the violence.